When it comes to indulgent treats, few things can compare to a rich, moist, and flavorful dark fruit cake. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the deep colors and aromas, makes for a truly irresistible dessert. In this article, we’ll explore 18 decadent dark fruit cakes recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
From classic Black Forest Fruit Cake to innovative Espresso-Infused Fruit Cake, each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of different fruits, nuts, and spices. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, caramel, or brandy-soaked goodness, there’s something for everyone in this collection of indulgent dark fruit cakes.
Rich Black Forest Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a classic German dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of fruit. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120ml) buttermilk
– 1 cup (120ml) black cherry jam or preserves
– 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or hazelnuts
– 1 cup (120g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, black cherry jam, and nuts; mix until just combined.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave; let cool slightly.
5. Fold melted chocolate into the cake batter.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Spiced Rum Dark Fruit Cake
Escape into the cozy world of sweet and spicy flavors with this traditional fruit cake infused with the warmth of spiced rum. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, this moist and flavorful cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants)
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup (60ml) spiced rum
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in dried fruit, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Pour in spiced rum and mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Chocolate Cherry Fruit Cake
Moist and flavorful, this rich fruit cake combines the sweetness of cherries with the depth of dark chocolate, perfect for a special occasion or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped dried cherries
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until well combined.
3. Add softened butter, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped cherries, chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Molasses and Fig Dark Cake
Moist, flavorful cake meets sweet and savory flavors in this indulgent treat. This recipe combines the warmth of molasses with the sweetness of figs to create a truly unique dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped dried figs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and beat until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in figs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Brandy-Soaked Dark Fruit Cake
Moist and flavorful, this dark fruit cake is perfect for the holiday season. Soak it in brandy for an extra boost of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants)
– 1/2 cup (60g) brandy
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in dried fruit.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
9. Drizzle with brandy while still warm.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Double Chocolate Raspberry Cake
A rich and decadent cake that combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and sweet raspberries, perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), melted
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and melted chocolate until well combined.
3. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in raspberries.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Plum and Walnut Cake
This decadent cake is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with the deep richness of dark plums and the earthy crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a special occasion or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 150g granulated sugar
– 100g unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (120ml) dark plum jam
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 20cm (8in) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Beat in eggs and dark plum jam until smooth.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Espresso-Infused Fruit Cake
Elevate your fruit cake game with the bold and rich flavors of espresso. This moist and decadent dessert is perfect for coffee lovers and those who crave a little excitement in their baked goods.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/4 cup espresso powder
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in dried fruit and espresso powder.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramelized Date and Pecan Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with friends. The caramelized dates add natural sweetness and the crunch of pecans provides a delightful textural contrast.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramelized dates (see note)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in caramelized dates and pecans.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Note: To caramelize dates, cook 1 cup of pitted dates with 2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon brown sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently, until dark golden brown and syrupy.
Port Wine Dark Fruit Cake
A classic holiday treat, this moist and flavorful fruit cake is infused with the richness of port wine and nuts. Perfect for gift-giving or serving at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, and raisins)
– 1/2 cup port wine
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in nuts, dried fruit, port wine, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Blackberry and Dark Chocolate Cake
This moist and indulgent cake combines the sweetness of blackberries with the depth of dark chocolate, perfect for a special occasion or dessert treat. With its intense flavors and velvety texture, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup blackberry jam or preserves
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 6 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa solids)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and blackberry jam or preserves.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Fold melted chocolate into cake batter.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Gingerbread Dark Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful gingerbread dark fruit cake is perfect for the holiday season. A blend of warm spices, sweet molasses, and dark fruit creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dark fruit (such as currants and raisins)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in dark fruit and molasses.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Toasted Almond and Prune Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of prunes with the crunch of toasted almonds, perfect for a satisfying snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup prunes, chopped
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
– 1 tsp baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until smooth. Add chopped prunes and toasted almonds; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Zest and Cranberry Dark Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful cake, infused with the warmth of orange zest and the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for a special occasion or just because.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, orange zest, and oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cranberries.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Glazed Fig and Walnut Cake
Maple Glazed Fig and Walnut Cake Recipe
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of figs and maple syrup with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a special occasion or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in figs and walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Drizzle with maple syrup and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Yield: 12 servings
Spiced Apple and Raisin Dark Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening. The combination of tender apples, sweet raisins, and warm spices will transport you to a cozy place.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped fresh apples (Granny Smith or other tart variety)
– 1/2 cup golden raisins
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, chopped apples, raisins, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Dark Cherry and Almond Cake
Savor the rich flavors of dark cherries and toasted almonds in this moist and decadent cake, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup dark cherry jam
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add cherry jam and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in chopped almonds and vanilla extract.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Whiskey-Soaked Fruit and Nut Cake
Rich flavors meld together in this indulgent dessert, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whiskey (such as bourbon or scotch)
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine dried fruits, nuts, brown sugar, and whiskey. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the beaten egg and melted butter to the fruit mixture; stir until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the richness of these 18 decadent dark fruit cakes! From classic Black Forest to boozy Brandy-Soaked, and from spicy Gingerbread to indulgent Double Chocolate Raspberry, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each cake is packed with an array of fruits, nuts, and spices, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a special treat or a show-stopping dessert, these dark fruit cakes are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings.